Goodnight Miami

At a little yellow bungalow

There are old brick pathways

and lizards running to and fro

and bamboo that continues to grow

There are tall palm trees

and a slight tropical breeze

And two little kayaks sitting on racks

There is a quaint little town

With restaurants open way past sundown

And clear blue water

And a sun that couldn’t be hotter

Goodnight Bungalow

Goodnight lizards running to and fro

And good night bamboo that continues to grow

Goodnight swaying palm trees

Goodnight tropical breeze

Goodnight little town

And delicious restaurants we enjoyed after sundown

Goodnight clear blue water

And goodnight sun

Goodnight Miami times that were so much fun

Ribs Night

the BBQ sauce question

True Barbecue has always eluded me (and dare I say intimidated me); however, after the purchase of the beloved "Big Green Egg" and salivating over the idea of creating true American BBQ myself after reading Michael Pollan's "Cooked", my friends and I finally decided to create a meal that should rival the best. While I won't dare argue what "true BBQ" is,(I know this can be a point of contention) we all agreed these were the best ribs we've ever had - who cares if none of us had spent any time in true BBQ country. In my initial thoughts on seeking rib perfection, I had looked out at my backyard and considered constructing a BBQ pit and seeking out the authenticity that Michael Pollan played with, but slowly dealt with the reality this was not probable.  I just wanted to feel what separated us from other animals - we use fire to cook our food.

Big Green Egg Recipe - Mango Habanero Pork Ribs

While attempting to get back to my Hominoid roots, I realized how spoiled I was. I'm lucky to have the masterpiece that is the "Big Green Egg" but in the 21st century it is not the most convenient way to cook, especially in Miami. As I stood in the intense heat with sweat beading on my forehead, being mauled by mosquitoes I looked down at my hands. They were covered in black soot from attempting to clean off the mold (another nasty side effect of living in miami) and I cursed myself for taking a shower, remembering that I was about to smell like a campfire in a few hours.

I fought courageously through this set-up knowing that the end result would be worth it. After carefully timing the preparation of side dishes, I was amazed at the outcome. We had prepared a plateful of some of the most delicious food I've ever had.

At the end of the day, we cooked too much food, overate as always, but I don't think I've tasted better cole slaw, mac and cheese, cornbread or watermelon. All made with friends and by friends.   

Except corn - note to self: do not freeze corn for later consumption.

Only two more hours to eat....

Better temperature regulation than my mother's oven

Don't worry, Jeff can eat the burned one